What To Do When You Decide To Leave Your Job

When you know you’re ready to leave your job, there are few things you need to do before you make the leap. Leaving your job is a big deal – a huge decision that should not be taken lightly. There was a lot I did when I was preparing to leave my job to go out on my own, and there was some prep work that happened before I even thought about giving my notice.

I knew I was leaving my job a year before I quit. Even though it’s tough to go to a job that you might not love and to dedicate your time to a cause that seems less important than building your business, it’s important to (1) still be a dedicated, hard-working employee, and (2) use your time very wisely.

Here are the 7 things you need to be before you leave your job:

1. Get Excited!

I was so excited about building up my business. I got even more excited as I became clearer about my plans and goals, which motivated me even more.

Your excitement should be celebrated, but that doesn’t mean you have to go blasting your plans all over the place, especially if you haven’t told your current employer about your idea to leave. Be professional and classy, no matter what.

2. Be Awesome

Just because you know you’re going to leave does not give you the permission to do a bad job. This is the time to step up your game and be the best you’ve ever been. You should be so awesome at your job so that when you have the conversation about transitioning out, they aren’t glad to see you go. Don’t be that guy.

Plus, you want to leave the place better when you left than when you started.

3. Work Harder At Night

I began to live for the nights and weekends so I could work my butt off. No, I wasn’t out partying with my friends and wasting time. I spent my precious free time learning about my new industry and building up my new brand.

4. Make Sacrifices

This is tough because it’s difficult to give up the lifestyle you have with your current paycheck. It’s also tough to give up your free time to work on Friday and Saturday nights.

The first thing I did was get rid of my rent. Yes, I still contributed in the best way I could, but I didn’t want to default on my rent. What sacrifices can you make?

5. Save Money

If you make those sacrifices, you’ll probably have a little more cash on hand. Having a larger emergency fund is key to leaving your job. Money makes you feel more secure about your decision to leave your current job and eases stress.

Save any money you can. Seriously.

6. Consciously Uncouple

Consciously uncouple means making the transition of you leaving mutually beneficial for everyone involved. You don’t want anyone to feel like you left them high and dry. When you make the deliberate decision to be helpful to the team your leaving, it’s a much more positive experience as you move on to the next phase of your life.

Maybe 2 weeks notice is sufficient, but maybe you need to give your team more time to find and train the next, great person to fill your role. Be sensitive to your colleagues – it’s a transition time for everyone.

7. Alert The Media

Tell everyone you know about your new business. Reach out to people and let them know that you need references and clients. Ask for connections. Take people out to coffee and catch them up on your life. Do something to support them and give value back, but let them know what your needs are too.

One of the best things I did was to take as much side-hustle work as I could before I left my job so that when I left, I had a full-time business within in a couple of weeks. Just let people know. Simple.

If you’re thinking about leaving your job anytime in the near future (or next year!) to grow your personal brand, visit Vlog Boss University. We talk about brand building strategies all the time!

Be excited about the decisions you make for yourself so you can continue to go after the life you want!